Arthur Crabtree wrote:sussexpob wrote:I remember after the Oval test in 2012 that I wrote a post stating that England had lost focus, that the team was clearly knackered, and that it was clearly evident that the performances under Flower were heading South and that he had reached his sell by date.
Against SA?
This was before KP was left out for Lord's, when discontent became more widespread. But there was building suspicion of Flower by then, partly fuelled by he, and the press, refusing to acknowledge England's slump in UAE and SL and a rather lacklustre showing v WI. And then the huge defeat by SA. Some were annoyed by a Test v SA being cut to allow (I think) another five match ODI series v Australia.
I cant find the article as there are 1500 pages of posts in my history. But yes, after the first South Africa test. It was supposed to best v best but the Windies tailenders twice gave us a bloody nose in 2012 early tests ( Best at 11, and a number 8 I cant remember scored a hundred in back to back tests). This came after England couldnt get bat on a ball in the UAE, and were KP away from losing to Sri Lanka, both at which were poor sides at the time.
I think I merely hinted at the time that England were way under par and lacking edge/focus. It was clear the team was struggling with something, and I believe I compared it to Fletchers Ashes, that there was a hint that things were about to turn sour. Most people thought it was merely a case of not having a number 6 come in and do well.
But that test in 2012. One team was highly skilled and had come prepared. The other had turned up lacking preparation and looked half cut. And it was a slaughter.